Harlan H. Gaedtke

Harlan H. Gaedtke, age 84, passed away on Thursday morning, July 25, 2024 at Froedtert Holy Family Medical Center in Manitowoc.
Harlan was born on July 13th, 1940 in Mishicot, son of the late Reinhardt Sr. and Adeline (Jahnke) Gaedtke. He graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School with the class of 1958. Harlan enlisted in the United States Army National Guard and proudly served his country until his Honorable Discharge. On June 9th 1962 he married the former Caroline Sixel of Cleveland at St. James United Church of Christ in Spring Valley.
Harlan was employed at Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry for 50+ years until his retirement. He enjoyed old time music and being the drummer and vocalist for his brother's polka band "The Reiny Gaedtke Orchestra" for 41 years. Harlan also enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids, going up north and watching garden tractor pulling, hunting and watching the birds in his yard. He was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Harlan is survived by his son: Gregg "Jethro" Gaedtke; two daughters and two sons-in-law: Cheryl (Bernie) Plagemann, Kim (Todd) Moddie, all of Manitowoc; four grandchildren: Darian & Devon Plagemann, Mackenzie (Austin) Van De Hei, Heather Gaedtke and Fiancé Micah Ellerman; three brothers: Herman, Rahlan (Mary Jane) and Reggie (Phyllis) Gaedtke; sister: Maxine Gates; three sisters-in-law: Shirley Ann Gaedtke, Ardella Gaedtke and Shirley Gaedtke; brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law: Peter (Patsy) Sixel and Peggy Sixel, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Reinhardt Sr. and Adeline Gaedtke; his wife: Caroline Gaedtke; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Gilbert and Roma Sixel; three brothers: Jerome, Roman and Reinhardt Jr. Gaedtke; sister and three brothers-in-law: Geraldine (Harold) Behnke, Glenn Gates and Gerald "Trixie" Sixel; sister-in-law: Carol Gaedtke.
A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 2601 South 10th Street, Manitowoc. Pastor Heather Yerion-Keck will officiate with burial to follow at Knollwood Memorial Gardens, town of Kossuth. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Wednesday afternoon's wake at Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 South 14th Street, Manitowoc from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm and again at the church on Thursday from 9:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to Hamilton Health Services of Two Rivers and the staff of the ICU at Froedtert Holy Family of Manitowoc, particularly nurses Tamara, Mara and Deanna and Dr. Powell, for all their compassionate care and support given to Harlan and his family, also Pastor Heather for all her visits.
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